Friendly Paris tips

Some friendly tips that I hope will make getting around Paris (or moving here) a bit easier for you.
The links to the handy websites I mention in the video are here:
Transport:
RATP for the metro (www.ratp.fr/en)
G7 taxis (www.g7.fr/en/)
Free water everywhere:
Eau de Paris (fontaine.eaudeparis.fr/)
Restaurants:
ZigZag (www.pariszigzag.fr/)
Le Bonbon (en.lebonbon.fr/paris/)
Le Fooding (lefooding.com/en)
Le Figaro (www.lefigaro.fr/lifestyle)
Entertainment:
Billereduc (www.billetreduc.com/)
Que Faire à Paris (www.paris.fr/quefaire)
Sortir à Paris (www.sortiraparis.com/en/)
Time Out Paris (www.timeout.com/paris/en)
Toot Sweet (tootsweet.app/)
Radio:
FIP (www.radiofrance.fr/fip)
If these are useful (and I hope some of them are!) consider subscribing, please. You'll help grow this channel to get more behind-the-scenes insights into what living in Paris is all about.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - The metro
00:19 - Tip 1: tickets on phone
00:36 - Tip 2: metro seats
00:53 - Tip 3: metro pickpockets
01:25 - Tip 4: take the bus
01:41 - Door protocol
01:44 - Tip 5: hold doors
02:00 - Café Rules
02:05 - Tip 6: sunny spots
02:58 - Tip 7: ready to order
03:45 - Tip 8: orange juice
04:40 - Tip 9: €10 on you
04:57 - Relief
05:17 - Tip 10: cafe toilets
05:35 - Food for Thought
05:46 - Tip 11: sit-down lunch
06:18 - Tip 12: plat du jour
06:42 - Tip 13: no eating while walking
07:12 - Tip 14: restaurant reservations
08:22 - Tip 15: apéro
08:40 - French Footwear
08:55 - Tip 16: sneakers
10:00 - Tip 17: no open-toe shoes
10:08 - Cinematic
10:50 - Tip 18: VOST movies
11:05 - Stereo
11:17 - Tip 19: FIP radio
11:37 - Eau yeah
12:08 - Top 20: free water
12:27 - Groceries
12:31 - Tip 21: supermarkets
12:54 - Tip 22: neighborhood markets
13:03 - Parisian Lines
13:12 - Tip 23: line up with Parisians
13:33 - Sites & Apps
14:17 - Tip 24: ratp.fr
14:43 - Tip 25: G7 taxis
15:11 - Tip 26: restaurant sites
15:40 - Tip 27: going out sites
16:20 - KZbin channels
Here are some of my tips, from me to you:
- buy metro tickets on your phone
- buses offer a scenic view of Paris
- hold doors open for others, applying a three-second rule
- in cafés, order quickly -- the waitstaff are busy
- always have €10 on you, in case of minimum card payment limit
- public toilets can be unpleasant -- buy a small espresso in a café to use their facilities
- opt for the plat du jour at restaurants for good value
- avoid eating or drinking while walking, as it can be considered disrespectful
- for popular or high-end restaurants, reserve at least two weeks in advance (and typical dinner time for Parisians is 9-9:30 p.m.)
- enjoy a pre-dinner drink (apéro) around 6-7 p.m. to tide you over until dinner
- wear comfortable shoes for walking (Parisians wear low-profile white sneakers)
- Paris is great for movies, especially on Wednesdays when new films release (look for VOST to watch films in English)
- tap water is safe to drink -- use refillable bottles and find public water fountains on fontaine.eaudeparis.fr/
- supermarkets are often open until 10 p.m. on weekdays
*** Shot on an iPhone, edited with LumaFusion
*** Music from Artlist.i

[@marybethbasu8858]

These are the best Paris tips I have ever seen; thank you!

[@amusingaida]

Wow, thank you!

[@JohnSmith-fd1ql]

I recently discovered your videos. They are exceptionally good, extremely in-depth, the storyline, literary and historical, musical background, simply everything. The unseen, cameraman, so on and so on. A Hollywood quality production. Like listening to an Enya song.

[@amusingaida]

That is a glowing comment, rich in praise. Thanks. I just hope I can live up to it with future videos, because those are the levels I'm aiming for (but aware I'm not there yet)

[@netgenrb]

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I haven't been to my favorite city in almost ten years now. The good news is that you've provided so many useful links in the last third of this video, and that I can start adding some of them to my cell before my next visit. I think what I enjoy most when watching you, is the feeling of contentment as I follow you on the streets of Paris and recognize so many places I used to frequent, and that the city is still familiar to me. I love the occaisional mention of special little places that I've 'discovered' over the years such as the Monde Arabe, the Statue of Liberty in front of Ponte Grenelle, and my absolute favorite the Arenes de Lutece which is very near a hostel I used on one of my visits and where I spent many hours reading in the shaden hot days. Every now and again these little gems pops up and todys 'gem' was the Jardin de Plantes where I spent an afternoon passing time while waiting on the overnight train from Austerlitz to Barcelona. Of course you are my best Parisienne dicovery! BTW, I really like your graphic choice for your tips; they make a nice break.

[@amusingaida]

I'm so glad I touched on places close to your heart. Paris has so many little corners to 'discover' and bind close to you, to become evocative locations. And it sounds like you like so many places that I like too!

[@lastditchefforts]

Great Paris tips. I had one day to prepare for an emergency business trip to Paris in '98 One book was helful to me for 2-3 things. This video covers many more common things to make a Paris visit much easier. The movie tips was one thing I discovered. This will be helpful to many people.

[@amusingaida]

I'm really happy to hear you got value out of it, and that you think it might help others dropping by here. Thanks for that!

[@adrianlong6701]

Hi I just discovered your channel yesterday & I’ve spent the time since watching all of your videos. What you do is so unique. ❤

[@amusingaida]

Wow! All of them? That's a fair bit of viewing. Anything you liked in particular?

[@bawhitham]

All your Paris advice is great, plus you're nice to look at. Bonus !

[@amusingaida]

Thanks

[@jimsteinberg9291]

Love your videos! No matter what the topic, we get your inspiring smile of a summer evening, delight in Paris and now I know to listen to FIP (available on the web.). Merci

[@amusingaida]

Excellent! Thank you! Enjoy FIP - I think it really is a great station in these days of streaming

[@ginopagnani7286]

Excellent video 🎉, informative and entertaining as always !!!!

[@amusingaida]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@iheartherain6321]

Another lovely video from lovely Aida. Thank you.

[@amusingaida]

Thanks muchly!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks for this! Makes me want to go to Paris again. Lovely place

[@amusingaida]

Do it! Visiting Paris again and again is a worthwhile ambition

[@HemingwayJones]

Another awesome video! You Legend!

[@amusingaida]

Haha, thank you! I finally got some time free to get back in the saddle of making Paris videos. Looking forward to producing many more....

[@MissButter]

I just got back from my annual trip to Paris, and I absolutely love your video/advice. I only wish I'd had it about two months ago. More broadly, it's exactly what I need/ed years ago. Though this recent visit was my fifth or sixth as an adult, I still walked around dazzled our entire visit by the city's omnipresent energy, vitality and intelliigence. And respect for beauty and graciousness. I do wish there were a polite way for me to ask the Parisians to let me practice making myself understood in French, even if their English is better than my French--as it usually is. Thank you so much, and I look forward to more of your content!

[@amusingaida]

I'm really glad some of the tips resonated with you. And sorry I didn't get this out two months ago! And I agree with you about the qualities of Paris -- I still see them, even through daily life in this city. As for getting Parisians to let you speak French... I guess you could look puzzled whenever they speak English and plow on with French. But I do understand why that happens: with more than 35 million visitors a year to Paris (population 2.2 million) sometimes it's just faster to say things in a language the visitor understands. The city has a snappy pace!

[@doloressanchez346]

Great tips 🌟 Thank you so much 🌟💕

[@amusingaida]

My pleasure!

[@sophiapinto8334]

Recently discovered your channel, and it's really good :) Thanks for such wonderful content

[@amusingaida]

That's great -- I love to hear exactly that; that you think my modest productions are good. I appreciate the comment, the encouragement!

[@yolondafowler4285]

This is our first rodeo but, I really appreciate the information you shared in this video. I learned so much. Thank you!!!

[@amusingaida]

I'm glad there was some useful stuff for you in there!

[@antineah1889]

Great tips! Especially keeping your hand on your bag in public transport, the pickpockets are incredibly skilled! Also, never never put your bag under your chair at the cinema. A visiting friend did that and her purse had been emptied!! Buying transport tickets on your phone can be a problem if your phone is on a foreign provider. Buy navigo easy instead and you can refill on your phone. Amen on the juice! Citron pressé is a rip off in cafes!! Thanks for these tips! I hope it helps tourists better enjoy Paris.😉

[@amusingaida]

Hello fellow expert! Yes to all of that (especially the hold-on-to-your-bag-in-the-cinema tip). For the metro: I didn't know that having a foreign provider stopped someone buying tickets on their phone -- good to know (we're spoiled in Europe, being able to roam without charge). I use a Navigo card myself, but thought best ease-of-use for visitors was just buying on the phone and using that (as I've done in Berlin, Geneva and Oslo when I travel).

[@antineah1889]

@@amusingaida I live in the U.K., so my phone is on an English program and last time I was in Paris and tried to buy a ticket on my phone I couldn’t. There was a controller on the bus and she said it might be because it wasn’t an eu phone. With the new easy navigo I can buy a carnet at the metro station and then buy more tickets directly on my phone. Crazy!

[@amusingaida]

@@antineah1889 try again with your phone next time -- it's only a couple of months ago that tickets could be bought on an iPhone (before it was only for Android devices).

[@musiccreation1198]

Fantastique !

[@amusingaida]

Merci !

[@carolmartin4413]

Paris...the quintessential European city...and an unforgiving monstrosity if you have no clue how to experience it like a local. Thanks for the many info-musts to survive and enjoy. Bonjour from Wisconsin. We are much more mundane. 😊

[@amusingaida]

Carol -- nice to see you back! I always love reading your messages (and you're often among the first to leave a comment). I'm so glad you're watching this latest effort, and that you liked it. And I'm sure Wisconsin has its charms too. A lot of times, it's just a question of perspective!

[@carolmartin4413]

@amusingaida Thanks, M.S. Musing Aida! Always enjoy your thoughtful and sometimes meandering trips around your city. Actually...I don't think I've ever learned your name...unless you are part of the Verdi clan...😆...have a great evening. Do they still say Bonne Soiree?

[@fanaoa9361]

Je viens de regarder (de bout en bout) ... vidéo TRÈS réussie. J’étais à Paris (moi, le Haut - Viennois!) en mars et en avril et j’y retourne en août. Vous l’aurez deviné, j’adore Paris, donc vous parlez à un converti et vous ne m’apprenez pas grand’ chose ... ... mais qu’est-ce que ça fait plaisir de vous écouter (je répète : votre anglais est IMPECCABLE !!!) et de vous regarder !!!!

[@amusingaida]

Merci, sincèrement ! C'est un plaisir d'ouvrir KZbin et de trouver un tel commentaire. Et merci pour les éloges sur mon accent anglais !

[@rahuldevgun8703]

NIceeeee ,,,,,,,, Keep going with the good work

[@amusingaida]

Hi! Yep -- I certainly will. Thanks.

[@gianew-adventure]

Yes, please do more videos like this. I love to get more insights from a person who lives in Paris and has a ton of experience 😜merci beaucoup 🙏 j’espere quelque jour je peux vous rencontrer dans les rues de Paris😊💯🫶

[@amusingaida]

Oh yeah, I have a long list of videos I want to do about Paris, where I really hope to be able to show you how this city works away from the high-profile circuit many first-time visitors take. So stick around -- you'll see more!

[@artmann7684]

Aida, thank you for putting together these very informative videos. Will help tremendously for our return to Paris in 2025.

[@amusingaida]

Thanks for putting down a comment after watching it. And Paris next year should be post-Olympics shiny...

[@aminderektaylor32]

Could you please make a video with tips and information about the different types of specialized shops often found in Paris? For example: Fromagerie,charcuterie,boulangerie,pâtisserie,brasserie,vinerie,chocolaterie,etc...? and also could you please explain a little about the most common French types of cheeses, sausages, breads, cakes, beers, wines, chocolates, etc...? In my opinion, the quality and quantity of these shops and products make Paris a truly unique city. Congratulations on your Channel, it's really good, I just don't understand why there are still few subscribers, I think you should look for tips and tricks on how to increase your channel's audience.

[@amusingaida]

Oh wow, OK, I'll have to add that idea to my (very long) list of future videos to do. It could be fun. And thanks for the words of support about my channel -- me too, I'd love more subscribers. But I do understand that there is a LOT of content on KZbin these days, so people have a lot of things to look at. I'm still a beginner with only 30 videos at this stage... I plan to keep going and see where it takes me.

[@John-wx2ce]

Great tip on G7! We never take the bus or metro, preferring to mostly walk. For longer distances we have used Uber. We will give G7 a try on our next visit. Thank you!

[@amusingaida]

The big advantage is G7 using the bus lanes. Every year the motorised traffic gets more and more congested. Really, the best way around Paris these days is on a bicycle (but I know that's not always practical for visitors)

[@John-wx2ce]

Yes, we were stuck in traffic during the metro strike back in 2019. I wish I knew about the G7 back then. As far as bicycling, I am not as brave as you Aida!

[@amusingaida]

I don't think I'm that brave.... I just wish I could afford G7s every day!

[@suzanneohandley816]

FIP is now my favorite new station that I listen to on Radio Garden, though I also have their webpage open so I can see what is playing...could just as easily listen to it on their website, and I'm doing that from the U.S. Thanks for the recommendation, always looking for new (eclectic) music.

[@amusingaida]

So glad you tried it, and liked it! My fave

[@suzanneohandley816]

@@amusingaida listening to it right now...while I work :)

[@amusingaida]

Lovely -- a way to aurally unwind while at work

[@pascalott8817]

Bravo. très bien observé

[@amusingaida]

Merci !

[@stemaig65]

je vous regarde depuis lgtps ; vous avez un charme fou ...

[@amusingaida]

Merci. J'espère que ce charme soutient mes productions !

[@stemaig65]

Oui tout a fait ; on ne peut dissocier les deux ; neanmoins sans votre personnalite , votre " classe " ces production , ces creation n auraient pas le meme impact ...

[@amusingaida]

@@stemaig65 Merci, c'est vraiment gentil de le remarquer -- et je ne vous dis même pas combien de temps il m'a fallu pour être plus ou moins à l'aise devant la caméra !

[@stemaig65]

@@amusingaida super sympa de me repondre ; vous etes eblouissante ; ne vous inquietez pas je m arrete là ; j ai adore aussi votre compagnon canin ; bye

[@YogaPinay]

This is very useful, thank you! I'm a new subscriber.❤ We will be there around September. Wishing you will do a vlog on walking itineraries, which places in Paris are near each other or closed together.. if they are doable for half a day walking (or even whole day).😊 Haha.. wishful thinking, but we plan to walk to explore Paris instead of taking taxis/metro. 😍

[@amusingaida]

That's a good idea. I'll see if in the future I can do a video about that. I have to warn you though that while I like walking, I also like frequent stops in cafés. Have you seen my video on all of the arrondissements? You can get a bit of an idea on where to walk from that...

[@YogaPinay]

@@amusingaida Yes, I'm binge watching your videos. Love them😍

[@amusingaida]

@@YogaPinay Lovely to hear!

[@pocphotocompany]

Thanks for the video-was just in Paris in February-I plan on being back in the fall(and other places in France) I want to spend Christmas in Paris

[@amusingaida]

Great! (Though winter's are a bit.... brrr, and often gloomy)

[@pocphotocompany]

@@amusingaida That's fine-I grew up in NYC with cold winters and spent several years in rainy Seattle. Besides for every cold and gloomy day I'll just eat more pastries

[@amusingaida]

Watch the waistline (or do as Parisians do... walk for kilometers)

[@pocphotocompany]

@@amusingaida oh yes. My two favorite things are walking and taking photographs

[@amusingaida]

@@pocphotocompany Your KZbin handle gives that photo part away. Paris is excellent for street photography. I tend to do much more video, but sometimes like to take photos too... probably not to your level.

[@maobfh]

Questions (if I may?): 1 - I am an older lady and have never been aggressive, except protecting a child in a crowd. It is simply not in my nature. I don’t mind waiting. Can I ask an employee to reserve a table for me, or must I force it or do without? I suppose I could use my cane and frown but I don’t want an encounter with the police! Usually, I simply avoid crowded places and hopefully I will find places that aren’t bad but could use the business? 2- I am learning but I cannot read or speak French. My mother was fluent but would not teach me as that is how she and her sisters and mother gossiped when children were around ( or husbands). How can I know in advance what to order? I have been struggling finding comfortable shoes that will be acceptable but I am unsure what is acceptable. I have combat boots and hiking boots but are very casual. Too casual. I sometimes have sneakers but know not to wear them in Paris. Suggestions? Just a general direction of types of shoes that are acceptable. Mary Jane’s? I love them but…I am old. They seem young for me but I often wear them with a suit when I am hosting a conference. Thank you very much if you have the time to answer my questions and if you take the time to do so.

[@amusingaida]

Hello @maobfh I'm happy to hear you step up to protect children. To answer your questions: 1. There is absolutely no problem reserving a place in a restaurant. It's simply done, either on the internet, or by dropping by the place beforehand and asking. And most establishments will make sure to accommodate someone with a cane (but beware that oftentimes you'll find the toilets down some stairs). 2. Such a shame your mother didn't teach you French. But be assured, English gets you far in Paris these days (as you'd expect with 35mn+ visitors a year!) 3. For shoes: just wear what's comfortable for you. My video remark about certain sneakers was aimed at people in their 20s, 30s and 40s... but really, it's a walking city and in the end you need to look after your feet!

[@musiccreation1198]

Aida, love your channel. Please consider creating a video guide on how Parisiens search for an apartment. Merci.

[@amusingaida]

You know, that's a good idea. I'll think on that one. Thanks!

[@tubezaspiak]

Très bon

[@amusingaida]

Merci !

[@mattmaher2633]

AWESOME CHANNEL,AWESOME LADY

[@amusingaida]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying the channel

[@rahuldevgun8703]

Actually Cheire FM is also great .. Imagine i listen to it sitting here in Delhi

[@amusingaida]

I agree... Chérie FM, and Nostalgie as well.... But what I really appreciate also about FIP is that it has very few ads.... lots of uninterrupted music!

[@tugberkeyi1059]

watching this after coming back from Paris

[@amusingaida]

Does it make you miss the place more?

[@tugberkeyi1059]

@@amusingaida hell yeah :( I was there for a week for a defense fair. I'll come again with my girl in September ☺olalalala

[@amusingaida]

September is a great month for a visit... one of my favorite times of year

[@jolies5329]

FYI dogs and cats are allowed on public transport in Paris, as long as they fit into a carrier.

[@amusingaida]

I had a dog and went everywhere with him in Paris. But he was a real-sized dog, so not allowed on the buses.

[@jolies5329]

@@amusingaida what a silly reply🤪

[@amusingaida]

@@jolies5329 Yeah, sorry about that

[@mgparis]

Work will be there when you go back :D

[@amusingaida]

That's the truth!

[@mgparis]

@@amusingaida Oh I know, it just sounds cool :D The other day at lunchtime the lady at the bakery said "Enjoy the nice weather, go for a walk!" and I replied "I wish, but it's back to my desk" - to which she replied "Ah - well at least you work sitting down" ;)

[@amusingaida]

The repartie of the boulangerie!

[@laxii1617]

Hi sweetheart I'm an older Angeleno. You know, we usually give 20%+ tips in LA restaurants. As to American tipping culture in Paris regular restaurants, are Americans considered easy touches (silly+generous)? I feel they also expect Americans to do the same thing 20+% in Paris. Since I don't speak French, I do it anyway.😂 your thoughts?

[@amusingaida]

Hi there.... ah, tipping. Look, there are visitors from every country that come to Paris. While places in some tourist areas have learned to earn generous tips they wouldn't get from French customers, generally the guidelines are: - for a coffee, if you pay in cash and get some coins back, you can leave some of the coins (less than €1), but no obligation - for a casual bistro meal, leaving €2-4 is common, if you have it on you (or you can ask them to add it to the total charge if paying by card) - for an expensive meal, you can leave maybe €10, €20, €50 (depending on the cost and number of people) No need to do the US thing of calculating 20% -- in France there are laws about minimum salaries, meaning the waitstaff are earning a dignified wage (not a very high one, but enough). Tips are appreciated, but they come down genuinely to the engagement shown by the waitstaff -- there is no obligation to tip (and in the rare places that add a service charge to the bill, you can ask to have them remove or reduce it if you want).

[@lucinda6816]

Hi, more detail is needed to find the restaurant section of the LeFigaro newspaper from online. Suggestions?

[@amusingaida]

Hi, try this link: www.lefigaro.fr/lifestyle/dossier/les-meilleures-tables-de-paris-par-arrondissement

[@lucinda6816]

@@amusingaida Thank you! I have saved the link for our trip. 🥰

[@billnickels6667]

I would like to see you discuss the rickshaw bikes... I was scammed for 50 euros. I know! I know! It's on me. But he was really good. As a French man walked by shaking his head and looking at me. I realized...

[@amusingaida]

Yeah, those rides are usually scams, often without insurance. Very dodgy. I probably won't be doing any videos on the various scams around Paris (the rickshaws, the sleight-of-hand cup jockeys, the bracelets-on-wrists people, the fake gold ring found in the street, the fakers looking for petition donations, the fake leather jackets sold out of a car, the fake chimney-sweeps, the fake gas meter guys, the fake accommodation ads requiring a deposit....) because those are really just what you get in many big cities around the world. Nothing particularly Parisian about them, and tbh I like my channel to look at the fun stuff that truly accounts for the overwhelming majority of the experience in the city. There are other channels that focus on the scammers and some Fox News-like spin, but it's not really my thing that -- I'm too Parisienne to go down that dank rabbit hole. In Paris, Rome, London, Istanbul, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, NYC you'll always find the same sorts of scams. In your case, you've been burned once, so should now be inoculated....

[@fanaoa9361]

@@amusingaidaBien dit !

[@fanaoa9361]

12:54 ... ... On dirait Calogero !!!!!

[@amusingaida]

Haha... c'est vrai !

[@TurkilForahg]

Where are you from?

[@amusingaida]

I'm French and I live in Paris